White Akoya

White Akoya
White Akoya White Akoya

Anyone who knows even the slightest bit about pearls knows that there are two major categories - saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls. Besides the obvious differences, what are the underlying characteristics of each of these types of pearls? Let's explore these two types of pearls in depth to get a better understanding of what makes each of them unique.

When it comes to classifying pearls, it is most obviously any pearl created in a saltwater environment. Salt pearls come from oysters that are usually kept in lagoons or bays. There are three types of pearls most commonly created in saltwater - akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls. Most of the saltwater pearls found on the market today are cultured. Natural saltwater pearls are a rarity.

Now, what are some of the characteristics of saltwater pearls that differentiate them from freshwater? First, saltwater pearls tend to be more round than freshwater pearls. Saltwater pearls are bead nucleated which creates a more symmetrical, round pearl. Even though this nucleation process results in a nice round pearl, it gives them a hard bead center. Because of this, they do not have as thick of nacre as freshwater pearls.

The oysters that create salt water pearls only produce one pearl per oyster, making them more expensive than freshwater pearls. The benefit of this however is that saltwater pearls tend to be of a higher quality. Saltwater pearls also are known for their incredible luster, or shine. In a high quality saltwater pearl, you should be able to see your reflection. Their symmetry and shine makes them the perfect choice for a pearl necklace or bracelet, when many pearls are strung in a row.

Freshwater have a reputation of being of a lower quality than saltwater, mostly because they tend to be much more inexpensive. Creation and cultivation of freshwater pearls has come a long way however to let them compete more heavily with saltwater pearls. Freshwater pearls come from freshwater mollusks that live in lakes or ponds. Most of the world's freshwater pearls are created and harvested in China and they have improved their methods over the years.

The first thing that comes to mind when someone thinks of freshwater type pearls is their sometimes odd shape. Freshwater pearls can be found in many shapes such as drop, rice, round and semi-round which makes for some unique pieces of jewelry. The other attraction of freshwater is the fact that they come in a wide variety of colors. They can be found in white, cream, rose, blue and pretty much every color in-between. Many saltwater pearls cannot be found in these colors naturally. Now, while fresh water pearls come in many colors, they do not have the high shine that saltwater pearls have.

Freshwater pearls are created differently from saltwater pearls. Instead of using a bead to nucleate the mussel, a piece of tissue is used. This is why freshwater pearls tend to be less symmetrical than saltwater pearls. The benefit however, of using tissue instead of a bead is that the pearl is 100% nacre. This makes freshwater pearls much more durable to scratches and chipping. Another result of tissue nucleation is that one mollusk is capable of producing up to thirty pearls at one time.

It's clear that there are major differences between the different types of pearls. Each pearl has characteristics that give them their own unique appeal to consumers. The market for pearls from fresh water is definitely on the rise as their quality and image improves. In the end, buying saltwater versus freshwater is really dependent on which qualities in a pearl are most important to you. Keep in mind that more expensive doesn't always mean better. While saltwater tend to be of a higher quality, freshwater pearls are on the move. You can easily find a beautiful and affordable necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings with high quality freshwater pearls. So, before heading out to the stores, decide what is important to you in a pearl and you will be sure to find the perfect piece!

Piper Smith is the VP of Marketing for Museum Way Pearls, a leading provider of pearl jewelry including freshwater pearls and Akoya pearls for earrings, necklaces, and more. Museum Way Pearls can be found online at: MuseumWayPearls.com.

I know what she wants for our anniversary, but now what?

Ok, so this is the story. In October my wife and I are celebrating our first anniversary and I have decided to make it special. I know that she has been wanting a set of pearls for quite a while. Well, she is away this weekend so I have started doing my research online. Now I am stuck! There are so many choices out there.
Anyone out there know the difference between the types of pearls below, or have a recommendation for a 28 yo professional woman? She has dirty blond hair and is of average build.
This is what I have found so far:
Akoya pearls from Pearl Paradise.

http://www.pearlparadise.com/saltwaterpearls.html

Freshwater pearls from Pearl Distributors.

http://www.pearldistributors.com/

And Tahitian pearls from The Pearl Outlet.

http://www.thepearloutlet.com/tahitian.htm

I am really drawn to the Tahitians personally. But aren't white pearls more popular? If anyone can comment back today I would greatly appreciate it.

as a women i think that that the white pearls are better , they are more classic and are very elegant looking. The Tahitians are nice but personally as a women i would go with the first site the Akoya pearls. IT really depends on her style though. Good luck, and Happy Anniversary.

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